Are there any quarterbacks worth drafting in the top five this year?

March 7, 2014

Will the 2014 NFL Draft be more like 2011, when teams reached for quarterbacks such as Christian Ponder and Blaine Gabbert early in the first round, or more like 2013, when EJ Manuel was the only quarterback taken in the first round?

That’s what Chris Simms, former NFL quarterback and current Bleacher Report analyst, wondered Thursday on Bleacher Report Radio. In Simms’ opinion? Teams drafting early in the first round would be best advised to avoid Teddy Bridgewater, Blake Bortles and Johnny Manziel.

“I don’t think any of these quarterbacks are worth a top-five pick, in my opinion,” Simms said. “I think the Houston Texans, you take Jadeveon Clowney, hands down. He’s a once-in-a-generation guy coming out of college. He’s good against the run, [and] you know about his pass-rushing style.”

Simms added that teams in need of a quarterback, such as Houston, which owns the top pick in the draft, should go after a veteran quarterback like Matt Cassel, or pursue Tom Brady‘s backup in New England, Ryan Mallett.